TORONTO — G Adventures has unveiled four new social enterprises for travellers to India amid news that Incredible India has been named the headline sponsor for the upcoming GX World Community Tourism Summit.

Taking place in India from Sept. 24-28, 2024, the annual summit – hosted by G Adventures and its non-profit partner Planeterra – will allow guests to either experience the projects firsthand or sample them during a ‘Planeterra Marketplace.’ 

Sheroes Hangout

The four new social enterprises are as follows:

• Anoothi India: Anoothi showcases the local culture through a textile workshop led by women from marginalized communities in the Jaipur region. Travellers will interact with the women and learn about their experiences while observing intricate techniques and shopping for products.
• Pink City Rickshaw: Based in Jaipur, Pink City Rickshaw offers women from low-income households in Jaipur sustainable livelihoods as they drive designer e-rickshaws, taking tourists to iconic landmarks like the Hawai Mahal. In addition to creating economic opportunities for disadvantaged women, the initiative promotes eco-friendly transportation to help reduce pollution in the city.
• Sheroes Hangout: Sheroes Hangout in Agra is a café that offers acid attack survivors livelihoods and support. Beyond reshaping societal perceptions, Sheroes aids these women from disadvantaged backgrounds in their medical recovery and pursuit of justice, empowering them to support their families, raise their children and live with self-esteem.
• Sunder Rang: This arts and crafts centre in Chandelao, Rajasthan provides training and a platform for rural women to showcase their traditional handicrafts. The initiative began with just five women in 2007 and has since grown to over 30 women. Travellers can participate in beading and other hands-on activities.

Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures and Planeterra, says both organizations are grateful for the support of India’s Ministry of Touri8sm.

“Community tourism is an increasing focus for Incredible India, so sponsoring GX is a natural fit as tourism returns and builds back in a better way. We are delighted to be able to collaborate with Incredible India as we showcase our newest community tourism experiences.”

The four new enterprises join G Adventures’ and Planeterra’s long-standing community tourism experiences that have been available to travellers for many years, including Women With Wheel’s airport transfer service, and Salaam Baalak Trust’s Delhi City Walk, which trains and empowers youth to enter the tourism and hospitality space. Both will also be experienced by GX attendees during the 2024 summit.

Sunder Rang

For more information on GX go to https://gx.gadventures.com/.